IT WAS 37 years ago when a 14-year-old Michael Jackson made his Manchester debut.
Along with his brothers, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Jackie, Jackson took to the stage at the King’s Hall at Belle Vue, Gorton, in front of a crowd of thousands.
It was 11 November 1972 – years before the highs of Thriller and the Moonwalk and the subsequent Wacko Jacko era and child abuse scandal which would forever taint his reputation.
The Jackson Five were world famous, already having set the charts alight with hit singles ‘I Want You Back’, ‘ABC’, ‘The Love You Save’, and ‘I’ll Be There’ and fans travelled from miles around to get a glimpse of the future King of Pop in action.
Our sister paper, the M.E.N. reviewed the concert, noting how the 5,000 strong crowd ‘went wild’ and screamed throughout the concert.
But reviewer Ian Fowler was not impressed by it all.
He said: "It was a disappointment to me, if not the enthusiastic audience, that Michael did not sing his million-selling hits ‘Got to be There’ and ‘Rockin Robin’.
But fans remember the concert fondly. Pauline Flynn recalls: "I was 16 at the time, and a massive Jackson Five and Motown fan. It was also the first concert I had ever attended, and I loved every moment of it!
"We were quite far back, and I am only little so a complete stranger ended up hoisting me up on to his shoulders so I could see.
"They didn’t disappoint and I seem to remember they introduced other members of the family on to the stage. Wish I could remember more."
Ann Connell – back then known as Ann Williams – was also there for the historic event.
She said: "I went with my sister, Pam. We had to get two buses across town, we were 13 and 15 years old!
"We remember being really excited, going on the fair rides first and bumping into school pals from Sale West secondary school."
Following the tour, Jackson had a meteoric rise to fame. Last Thursday, he died in LA aged 50 after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.
He he was pronounced dead at 10.26pm British Summer Time.
The self-styled king of pop -and father-of-three – was due to perform 50 farewell concerts in London this summer, bowing out on an illustrious music career spanning several decades while aiming to resurrect his fortunes.
Fears were sparked for Jackson's health last month when four of his This Is It concert dates were pushed back, but organisers insisted the dates were moved due to the sheer magnitude of the spectacle.
Were you at the concert? Call us on 211 2119 or email beswick.news@menwn.co.uk with your memories.
